Our beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Brother, Uncle and Friend, Merton L. Moon, passed away peacefully at the age of 74 on February 11, 2025, in Santaquin, Utah. Mert was born on July 7, 1950, in Payson, Utah, to James Dailey and Phyllis LeBaron Moon.

Mert grew up on a dairy farm in West Mountain, where he learned the value of hard work from a young age. He was a proud alumnus of Payson High School, where he met the love of his life Sharon Van Ausdal. Mert and Sharon were married on June 14, 1969, they were blessed with four children: Steven, Shayne, Jodi, and Heidi.

Throughout his life, Mert worked for various companies: Hiatt’s Dairy, Mountain View Dairy, Leland Mills, Atwood & Christensen Masonry, Pacific States Pipe Plant, Red-E-Mix, H.E. Davis, and Sunroc. Many of his coworkers became his very good friends. Mert was a loyal friend to all and couldn’t go anywhere without running into somebody he knew. If you ever needed help, he was always one of the first to show up, ready to lend a hand.

Mert had many hobbies, he enjoyed camping, hunting, boating, ATVing, and spending time with family and friends at his cabin up Nephi Canyon. He liked to tinker and fix things; one of his proudest achievements was restoring a 1946 Farmall Model A Tractor to pristine condition. Mert was passionate about antiques, anything John Wayne, and Chevy trucks.

Mert was a hardworking and devoted family man who made every family gathering and camping trip special with his great stories. You could always find Mert with his camera in hand ready to capture memories to share.

Despite numerous broken bones, polio, cancer, and the lasting effects from all, Mert faced each obstacle with strength and resilience and never accepted pity. He was stubborn, strong-willed, and a fighter up until the end. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, and his memory will forever be cherished by those who knew him.

Mert is survived by his loving wife, Sharon, and their children: Steven (Christee) Moon, Jason Shayne (Angie) Moon, Jodi (Scott) Dockstader, and Heidi Moon. 12 grandchildren: Brittni (Derek), Zack (Riley), Josh (Taylor), Erik (MakinLee), Brylee (Tanner), Kyle, Bowdrie (Cassidie), Trevor, Maddy, T. Jay, Maylee, and McKynlee, 10 great-grandchildren: Saige, Lux, Zain, Bentley, Scottie, Leni, Piper, Callan, Easton, and Ketzie, brothers James (Kathy) Moon, & George Moon, sister Venice (Richard) Kimball, sister-in-law Sherry (Dale) Hughes, brother-in-laws Bryce Van Ausdal, & Carl Rasmussen, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom loved him very much and were a great blessing in his life. Mert is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Maurine, his in-laws Jack Van Ausdal & Frances Bills, and sister-in-law Sandra Rasmussen.

Mert’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all who touched their lives, especially his many friends and neighbors, and the amazing staff at Seasons of Santaquin, especially Natalie who cared for Mert in his final days.

We warmly invite friends and loved ones to join in celebrating the extraordinary life of a man who meant so much to so many.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Prior to the service, there will be a viewing from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the LDS Chapel, 5237 West 10400 South, Payson, Utah (West Mountain Church). Following the service, Mert will be laid to rest at the Santaquin City Cemetery, Santaquin, Utah.

The funeral service will be streamed live. Please return to Mert's memorial page shortly before 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 17, 2025, and click on the link (coming soon) below.

Merton L. Moon Funeral Service